A former soldier accused of two murders on Bloody Sunday has pleaded not guilty as he was formally brought back for trial after an attempt to have the case dismissed was rejected.
A former Paratrooper F, who cannot be identified, is accused of killing James Ray and William McKinney when members of the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 civil rights protesters on the streets of Londonderry in January 1972. He is also charged with five counts of attempted murder.
He pleaded not guilty to each of the seven charges as they were read to him during his arraignment at Belfast Crown Court on Friday.
The veteran sat in the witness box, a thick floor-to-ceiling blue curtain shielding him from the main part of the court to protect his anonymity.
The prosecution was held after a defense application to dismiss the case was rejected by the judge, Mr Justice Fowler.
Soldier F’s defense team argued there was “insufficient evidence” against him.
In response, the prosecution insisted he was part of a group of paratroopers who entered a yard in the Bogside area of Derry and opened fire on “unarmed civilians” fleeing them, with each soldier firing with intent to kill.
Soldier F remains anonymous after the judge granted a defense request for anonymity and that the screening provisions applied to Solider F be extended.
In June, the Army veteran’s defense team said he would be a “prized target” for dissident Republicans if his identity became public.
Ciaran Shiels, a lawyer for the Bloody Sunday families, said the decision to remain anonymous would not overshadow the fact that Soldier F had been brought back for trial.
“It’s a great day. It’s a great day out for families,” he said. “We are leaving here in a very cheerful mood. We’re used to him being called Soldier F, we’re used to him being anonymous and wearing that cloak.
“But that should not overshadow the fact that he will now stand trial for two murders and all those attempted murders in Glenfada Park North [in the Bogside in Londonderry].”
Outside court, William McKinney’s brother Mickey said it was “a good day for all the victims”.
He said it was another step towards justice for the families of the Bloody Sunday victims. “Maybe the last step,” he added.
Speaking to reporters, McKinney said: “We are very pleased that Soldier F’s application has been rejected and that he will now proceed properly to trial. However, we are disappointed that the judge in the case granted his request for anonymity and screening.
“It is difficult for us to come to terms with the fact that anyone with an interest in the events of Bloody Sunday has been aware of the true identity of Soldier F and his appearance for many years.
“We all saw him give evidence in Central Hall in London in 2003. for two days (during the Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday).”
He added: “The events of Bloody Sunday took place 53 years ago next month. It is imperative that the court does not tolerate any further delay and that this process proceed as a matter of urgency. It is a good day for all victims.